Āhua Gallery

Hei piu (neck piece) is a contemporary fashion statement utilising Māori tradition.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 350mm x 170mm

The maro is a frontal apron tied around the waist and is a traditional garment that is worn by both men and woman. This maro has been fashioned with strands of muka fibre within the flax.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 680mm x 480mm

The maro is a frontal apron tied around the waist and is a traditional garment that is worn by both men and woman. This maro has been fashioned with strands of muka fibre within the flax.

Maro

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 470mm x 340mm

Neck Piece

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 305mm x 80mm

Hei Piu (neck piece) are contemporary fashion statements utilising Māori tradition

Material: Muka

Measurements: 180mm x 590mm

The paddle or hoe was the means of propulsion for the Māori waka (canoe). While the hoe was primarily a paddle, it also doubled as a weapon when the need arose. Carved paddles were the property of the chief and were highly valued. The hoe came in different styles and the handles and blades differed from area to area.

Kete whakairo are woven flax bags of a finer quality than the general utilitarian kete. They are normally made from prepared strips of flax and/or kiekie, some of which have been dyed. Kete whakairo may also feature geometric designs.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 290mm x 185mm

Patu (meaning to strike or hit) were typically fashioned from native hardwood, whalebone or stone, including our highly valued pounamu (greenstone). Patu were often sharp at their forward edge and were used with thrusting, jabbing and swinging blows.

Māori weapons are notable for their fine sculptural form and were designed for close hand-to-hand combat. No other stone-age war implements surpassed them in deadly effectiveness.

Material: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)

Measurements: 380mm x 100mm

The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.

Material: Tōtara

Measurements: 870mm x 220mm x 180mm

The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.

Material: Tōtara

Measurements: 865mm x 210mm x 180mm

In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round eyes; and, the 'ruru', which also has round eyes but with a point at the top.
The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown.

Material: Pakohe (Argilite)

Measurements: 48mm x 37mm